Case description

The new website Sekswerk.info, a website of Soa Aids Nederland, is the go-to website for sex workers. The website is a safe and reliable online space and offers female, male and transgender sex workers relevant and up-to-date information about (sexual) health, safety, work and regulations. The organization also promotes the improvement of sex workers’ position when it comes to sex work and is a connector with regard to the health and rights of sex workers. Part of the new website is the Complaints Desk, where sex workers can ask a question or leave a complaint about an organization such as a bank or the Tax Authorities. This way, the Complaints Desk aims to build a bridge between sex workers and the various authorities in the Netherlands. Puurpxl realised this groundbreaking online platform in support of sexual health in The Netherlands in conjunction with Soa Aids Nederland and LimoenGroen.

The website Sekswerk.info is designed with attention to accessibility and findability. You can find extensive information and advice about sexual health, safety, work and regulations. You can easily arrange for free testing for STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) online via the municipal health service (GGD) and can also find information on how to get vaccinated against Hepatitis B.

The most important part of the new website is the Complaints Desk. Things like opening a bank account, applying for mortgage or arranging a permit are often difficult for sex workers due to complicated regulations or the prejudice surrounding sex work. Communication between government agencies, commercial organizations and sex workers is regularly laborious and sex workers often feel like they are not taken seriously. In most cases, they don’t know which steps to undertake to improve their situation, and as result sex workers are too often excluded from essential services. The Complaints Desk refers sex workers to the right place and offers support in submitting complaints to various authorities and organizations. When there are recurring complaints about a specific authority or organization, they are being notified. Together with the professional team behind the Complaints Desk, they will look for a solution. Each complaint is treated personally, independently and confidentially.

A new structure was created for the website in order to get visitors to the content they need as quickly as possible. The structure is based on the pillars of the website: health, safety, work and advice. We also opted for a multi-layered navigation with extra attention to clarity and usability. Visitors can easily find the Complaints Desk for when they have a question or complaint about an organization via the blue ‘Complaints Desk’ button at the top right of the screen. This is a safe space where sex workers can be heard and helped.

All content is made in an easy to understand language and is also available in English and Spanish. The content is gender neutral and adheres to accessibility standards in order to support as many people as possible. Sekswerk.info is a collaborative project, which means that many organizations and individuals have been involved in developing and maintaining Sekswerk.info including the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security.

The design of Sekswerk.info has web accessibility guidelines engrained. In doing so, the platform is now accessible by everyone which also improves Google rankings. Things like color contrast makes it easier for people to use the website, not only people who are visually impaired but also when using the platform from a smartphone outdoors. Fonts, lengths of sentences, font size and line height were carefully considered. Even the brand logo was evaluated.